Malia and Sasha Obama attend first state dinner

March 11, 2016

Malia and Sasha Obamaare definitely used to being around high-profile officials and celebrities as daughters of the President of the United States, building up a stockpile of precious memories they'll take with them as they leave the White House later this year. But Thursday's (Mar. 10) state dinner will hold an extra-special place in their hearts as it was the pair's first-ever state banquet.

Barack and Michelle Obama's girls attended their first state dinner in honour of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau on Thursday night - and received a special mention from the prime minister during his speech.

The 44-year-old son of late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said it was touching to meet Malia, 17, and Sasha, 14, and said he wished he had been a teenager when his dad was a world leader.

Sasha, 14, was sat next to Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

"The memories for me of being a kid and not being old enough to attend these kinds of events with my father almost makes me wish I had gone through my teenage years as the child of a world leader," he said. "Almost."

"I admire you very much, both of you, for your extraordinary strength and your grace," Justin added. He also hoped that the unconventional childhoods they had experienced would, he said, give them "strength and wisdom beyond your years for the rest of your life".

Canadian Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively were picture perfect

Malia, who will graduate from college in June, was seated at a table in the elegant East Room with her aunt, President Obama's sister and her husband and Grey's Anatomy actress Sandra Oh. Sasha, on the other had, was in the company of actress Blake Lively and her Canadian actor husband Ryan Reynolds.

Other guests included actors Michael J. Fox, Mike Myers, along with Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. Professional sports were represented by the U.S. hockey and basketball commissioners, along with retired NBA player Grant Hill and his wife, Tamia, a Canadian singer.

Michelle Obama and Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie, both wore dresses by Canadian designers

For the special ocassion, Michelle Obama once again pulled out all the stops and dazzled in a Jason Wu strapless midnight blue floral jacquard gown with asymmetrical draping. Taiwan-born Wu was raised in Canada. Justin Trudeau's wife wowed in a bright purple dress with coral flower trim by Canadian designer Lucian Matis.

HELLO! Canada magazine is available for your tablet and smartphone. Get HELLO! Canada, PEOPLE, Vanity Fair and over 100 more of the world’s best magazines for one low monthly price at Texture by Next Issue. CLICK HERE to sign up for a free trial.